Shehu Sani Criticizes Tinubu’s Appointment of APC Spokesperson as NTA Board Chairman

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson, Felix Morka, as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Sani warned that the move could compromise the objectivity and independence of the state-owned broadcaster.

The appointment, announced on Friday in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also included 19 APC state chairmen being assigned to various government agency boards.

However, Sani, who recently joined the APC, voiced concerns that Morka’s role as the ruling party’s spokesperson could blur the lines between governance and partisan interests at the NTA.

In a Facebook post, Sani argued that while NTA is a government-owned entity, its credibility could be undermined by having a political party spokesman at its helm.

“The NTA is statutorily owned by the Federal Government. However, appointing the spokesperson of the ruling party to chair its board would cast aspersions on its content,” he wrote.

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He further warned that the station’s objectivity and professionalism would be in question more than ever before. “The party spokesman should be considered for an alternative appointment to save the station,” he added.

Media experts have also weighed in on the appointment, with some warning that it could erode public trust in the NTA.

Speaking on the matter, media analyst Dr. Adebayo Akinwale said, “A government-owned broadcaster must maintain a neutral stance to serve all Nigerians. This appointment sends a signal that NTA may become an extension of the ruling party’s propaganda machine.”

Similarly, political commentator Dr. Fatima Yusuf noted that the appointment might fuel concerns about state influence over media institutions.

“In a democracy, the independence of the media is critical. Assigning key leadership roles in state-owned media to ruling party officials is a dangerous precedent,” she said.

With criticism mounting, some political observers believe Tinubu’s administration may face pressure to reconsider the appointment.

Sani’s public opposition, despite his recent defection to the APC, underscores growing concerns within political circles about balancing governance and partisan control over national institutions.

As the debate continues, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the government rethinks the appointment or proceeds despite concerns over media neutrality.